Applause

SPH staff honored for service

Five School of Public Health (SPH) staff members received Excellence in Staff Service Awards at a May 11 ceremony highlighting their contributions to the school. The recipients, nominated by co-workers or supervisors, were selected from 20 nominees.

Julia Dodge, senior research associate, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, was recognized as an established researcher, enthusiastic colleague, able ambassador and willing mentor as the project director for heart disease self-management research since June 1988.

Jody Gray, business manager, Department of Epidemiology, was described as having a strong work ethic, dedication, superb administrative skills, dependability and professionalism throughout her 23 years with the school.

Diane LaViolette, academic secretary III, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, was cited in part for her strong organizational skills and writing and editing abilities, which faculty in her department find invaluable.

Mark Nelson, director of academic services, Deans Office, has contributed his compassion for students and the ideals of public health, willingness to learn and abundant energy to improving the relationships between the schools central office and its departments.

Robert McGranaghan, project manager, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, was described as the glue between the schools community partners and faculty and students, combining his dedication, competence and interpersonal skills to facilitate projects with people from many different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Rowing coach honored by Big Ten Conference

Mark Rothstein, head coach of the womens rowing team, was named, along with Bebe Bryans of Michigan State University, co-Coach of the Year by the Big Ten Conference.

Rothstein, the only head coach in the teams four-year history, has led the rowers to fifth-place finishes in the last two seasons NCAA Championships. At the Big Ten Championship in April, the rowing team placed in the top three in each of the six races.

Luke receives book award

Barbara Luke, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, has received the American Society of Journalists and Writers Outstanding Book of the Year Award (service category) for When Youre Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads: A Complete Resource.

Morrison appointed HHMI investigator

Sean Morrison, assistant professor of internal medicine and of anatomy and cell biology, is one of 48 scientists chosen as Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigators. The scientists, selected from 430 candidates in a national competition, will join 305 HHMI investigators whose honors last year included the Nobel Prize and the Lasker Award.

HHMI is a medical research organization that enters into long-term research collaboration agreements with universities and other academic research organizations where its investigators hold faculty appointments. HHMI expects to spend between $500,000 and $1 million annually for each of its new investigators, including support to the host institutions for graduate training, library resources and other needs. Hughes investigators have traditionally carried out research in such fields as cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience and structural biology.